[Now Available] AWE SwitchPath™ Exhaust for the Cadillac CT4-V Blackwing

[Champale]

Ummm I'm guessing you have never changed parts on a car and dyno'd it back to back. You definitely can gain power with exhausts and/or intakes on a lot of modern cars with stock ECU.

 

[Throat Yogurt]

Modern engines control torque output to predetermined maximum values. Changing these maximum values requires modifying calibration. So installing parts without modifying calibration only increases potential (if even that) of the car to make more power/torque, but not actually do so.

There's a multi-billion dollar industry's worth of evidence that you're wrong, not to mention having seen it with my own eyes on a dyno.

 

[Dirkbg]

I'm over my head here, but Tapout has discussed these new systems and this thread has some good info Tapout CT4-V Blackwing Carbon Fiber Intake Test Results

As I understand it, the cars do control the power output, but that is estimated based on sensor information, not a direct measurement. So you can reprogram the computer (Global B reprogramming), spoof the sensors electronically (JB4 add-on), or change the physical characteristics at the point of the sensor (Tapout's intake lid with larger MAF tubes). I would guess that a less restrictive exhaust could affect power since there is no sensor there outside of the oxygen sensors that are likely more concerned with gases and temperatures, not flow. I'm sure that some changes to systems can have at least a little effect within the variability of the programming. Or I'm completely wrong and probably offered nothing of use to the discussion...

 

[LastGas]

I'm over my head here, but Tapout has discussed these new systems and this thread has some good info Tapout CT4-V Blackwing Carbon Fiber Intake Test Results

As I understand it, the cars do control the power output, but that is estimated based on sensor information, not a direct measurement. So you can reprogram the computer (Global B reprogramming), spoof the sensors electronically (JB4 add-on), or change the physical characteristics at the point of the sensor (Tapout's intake lid with larger MAF tubes). I would guess that a less restrictive exhaust could affect power since there is no sensor there outside of the oxygen sensors that are likely more concerned with gases and temperatures, not flow. I'm sure that some changes to systems can have at least a little effect within the variability of the programming. Or I'm completely wrong and probably offered nothing of use to the discussion...

My personal experience with an aftermarket exhaust, Corsa but ultimately less restriction is less restriction so I would expect the same performance impact, is that there certainly could be more lower mid-range power but there is nothing more up top. No reason not to believe the AWE dyno. Trap speed at the end of long straights is exactly the same as stock. It does feel like there's even more of a drop off on top end i.e. the mid-range is stronger, but I know my butt dyno isn't that sensitive to notice a 3% difference.

 

[coffee_time]

Modern engines control torque output to predetermined maximum values. Changing these maximum values requires modifying calibration. So installing parts without modifying calibration only increases potential (if even that) of the car to make more power/torque, but not actually do so.

What in the world… no. Just, no.

 

[ngoni]

Modern engines control torque output to predetermined maximum values. Changing these maximum values requires modifying calibration. So installing parts without modifying calibration only increases potential (if even that) of the car to make more power/torque, but not actually do so.

Funny how you can just change out the air box lid and get 50-70hp to the wheels.

Tapout Tuning CT4-V Blackwing Carbon Fiber Airbox Lid - Tapout Tuning

www.tapouttuning.com

 

[Bald Guy]

@Sara/AWE

On a side note, you are one beautiful lady and hopefully I don't get banned for saying that. : )

 

[piranha971]

Funny how you can just change out the air box lid and get 50-70hp to the wheels.

Tapout Tuning CT4-V Blackwing Carbon Fiber Airbox Lid - Tapout Tuning

www.tapouttuning.com

This airbox is spoofing the ECU. The ECU doesn't know that its producing more torque. The torque is calculated based on the inputs and when the inputs are spoofed, the ECU still thinks its produces its preset max. If it was to know the real numbers, it would dial down the boost/timing to limit the max. JB4 operates on the the same concept.

 

[Roadhawk]

This airbox is spoofing the ECU. The ECU doesn't know that its producing more torque. The torque is calculated based on the inputs and when the inputs are spoofed, the ECU still thinks its produces its preset max. If it was to know the real numbers, it would dial down the boost/timing to limit the max. JB4 operates on the the same concept.

I have to say it works pretty well. So well I'm not thinking to do anything more - power wise - for a while (if ever)....though I'd love to tune it further at some point. The extra punch is undeniable when you push it....very nice to have....otherwise seamless and runs just as smooth as stock.

I spent a few hours in traffic on the interstate yesterday and the extra punch came in real handy when getting through some tight (otherwise slower than I would like to be going) situations...

 

[piranha971]

I have to say it works pretty well. So well I'm not thinking to do anything more - power wise - for a while (if ever)....though I'd love to tune it further at some point. The extra punch is undeniable when you push it....very nice to have....otherwise seamless and runs just as smooth as stock.

I spent a few hours in traffic on the interstate yesterday and the extra punch came in real handy when getting through some tight (otherwise slower than I would like to be going) situations...

I will buy a used one when I see one for sale. Will do until I am closer to warranty expiration and I tune the thing. I know its not undetectable if they go looking to deny coverage if something comes up, but nevertheless.

 

[1Evil55]

I have to say it works pretty well. So well I'm not thinking to do anything more - power wise - for a while (if ever)....though I'd love to tune it further at some point. The extra punch is undeniable when you push it....very nice to have....otherwise seamless and runs just as smooth as stock.

I spent a few hours in traffic on the interstate yesterday and the extra punch came in real handy when getting through some tight (otherwise slower than I would like to be going) situations...

Did you use the OEM tube size or oversized?

 

[Roadhawk]

Did you use the OEM tube size or oversized?

Oversized. I've only had 2 CELS with it - both tied to quick re-starts after stopping in somewhat cold & damp weather. Cleared one myself and the other went away on its own pretty quickly.

I have to say I'm very satisfied with the performance. A few weeks back I kept even with a Lambo Urus from a light (to high double digit speeds where we both dropped off). He was surprised I think. He had previously been weaving through traffic pushing hard - very loudly - and was going all out. I didn't even know what it was at the time. Anyway I'd say that puts the car in fast company...the extra oomph full throttle is very noticeable and I think just pushes the car up a small rung in performance more on par with current M2/M3s and such. I certainly don't feel intimidated...not that I was before but I have an extra bit of confidence that the car can handle max power situations...

 

[piranha971]

Not more than 4hrs after I typed my response above, I got a used intake lid with oversized tubs and a jb4 off facebook. Will stay with the lid until I find the time to regap plugs for the jb4. Not a fan of ECU spoofing like that instead of proper tuning, but it seems like people are not having issues with it.
Sorry, derailed the thread. Great exhaust AWE!

 

[1Evil55]

Not more than 4hrs after I typed my response above, I got a used intake lid with oversized tubs and a jb4 off facebook. Will stay with the lid until I find the time to regap plugs for the jb4. Not a fan of ECU spoofing like that instead of proper tuning, but it seems like people are not having issues with it.
Sorry, derailed the thread. Great exhaust AWE!

I'll take the lid if you happen to change your mind.